Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has completed his first state visit to Papua New Guinea.

The head of government was accorded a full military guard of honour and a gun salute at the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby this afternoon.

Expressing his appreciation to officials onboth the Fiji and PNG side for facilitating this visit, Prime Bainimarama said the future of the Fiji PNG relations remains solid and promising.

At a dinner last night where he hosted his PNG counterpart the Honourable Peter O’Neill, Prime Minister Bainimarama highlighted that relations between the two countries have been consistentlypositive.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Fiji and my government attaches great respect and value for the years that we have stood together, side by side. Through this process, Fijians have come to know who their true friends are – we are grateful for the genuine friendship of the people of Papua New Guinea”, PM Bainimarama said.

“I want to warmly thank Papua New Guinea for its understanding, support and encouragement for the reforms by my Government, both privately and publicly in regional forums, and on the world stage at large”.

At a meeting this morning with Fijian government officials, the Prime Minister pointed out that all issues raised and proposals put forward by both countries should begin immediately. He has also proposed the establishment of a Fiji Trade Mission in PNG to boost Fiji’s economic presence in the growing Melanesian economy.

Meanwhile the head of government is heading to New York where he will be chairing a series of meetings on the G77+China Group.